The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), await us once again this Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22, 2024. You're wondering"What to visit in Versailles for the Journées du Patrimoine? This year, why not get out of Paris and head for the Yvelines, and Versailles in particular, for a visit to an exceptional château , but also to discover all that the city has in store for us.
Obviously, when you think of Heritage Days at Versailles, you immediately think of the Château de Versailles. It's true that this is a golden opportunity to visit it, but Versailles also abounds in other treasures to discover. From the Grande Écurie to the Potager du Roi, from the Osmothèque to the Château de la Maye, there's plenty to see and do.
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are an opportunity to delve into the heart of the Paris region's heritage and visit places that are still too little known, including Versailles. Here's the detailed program for this key Paris-area town, with the promise of a weekend full of wonderful discoveries!
Heritage Days 2024 at the Grande Ecurie de Versailles (78), free tours!
The Académie Equestre de Versailles and the Versailles Campuses are opening the doors of the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles for the Heritage Days, on the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024. Click here to discover the program! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2024: guided tours of the Théâtre Montansier in Versailles (78)
On the occasion of the 41st Heritage Days, the Théâtre Montansier, an 18th-century treasure located in Versailles, welcomes you for guided tours on Saturday, September 21, 2024. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2024: free tours of the King's Kitchen Garden at the Château de Versailles (78)
For the Journées du Patrimoine 2024 (Heritage Days 2024), we're off to the Potager du Roi (King's Garden) at the Château de Versailles to take advantage of two free days in an enchanting setting, on September 21 and 22. The program includes free visits and a host of activities for young and old alike! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2024 at the Yvelines Prefecture in Versailles (78)
The Journées du Patrimoine 2024, on September 21 and 22, offer you the exceptional opportunity to visit the Préfecture des Yvelines in Versailles. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this emblematic site, usually closed to the public, and explore its hidden treasures during this unique weekend. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2024 at the Atelier numérique de Versailles
Come and discover the world of virtual reality on the theme of heritage.
The Archives communales de Versailles are exceptionally opening their doors! Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Archives, from the reading room to the storage areas. Emblematic archives will be on display, as well as a selection of documents relating to the Liberation of Versailles, and aerial views of the city dating from the 1950s.
Today home to more than 55,000 antique books, most of which were confiscated during the French Revolution, the Galerie d'Honneur at the Hôtel des Affaires Etrangères was once a mecca of French diplomacy under Louis XV and Louis XVI, frequented by the great dignitaries of the day.
Built in 1763, the gallery's five rooms are decorated with works by Charles-André Van Loo, Jean-Jacques
Bachelier and Louis-Nicolas Van Blarenberghe.
The gallery of honor was the setting for the preparation of the Treaties of Paris and Versailles (1783), signing the peace and independence of the colonies.
Library staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
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The personal libraries of a queen and a favorite, the office of an otherworldly reader, hiding places and a maze of books... Accompanied by a librarian, discover the secrets and anecdotes nestled in the heart of Louis XV's former Hôtel des Affaires étrangères et de la Marine, and admire part of the heritage collections of the Bibliothèque municipale de Versailles.
Manuscripts, old maps, rare books... The team dedicated to the heritage collections of the Versailles Central Library invites you to discover a sample of the collections housed within its walls.
Discover the Heure Joyeuse trunk: set off from the USA in 1946, it arrived in Versailles in 1948. Loaded with children's literature in English for the children of Versailles, this trunk was part of a solidarity movement born after the Second World War.
Engraving workshop for children aged 6 and over, led by artist Matthieu Perramant.
During this engraving workshop, each child will use a drypoint to engrave a drawing of a house and its inhabitants on a rhenalon plate. Each plate will then be printed on paper using a small press, and the children will leave with their engraved plate and the print.
Guided tours of the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs
Hosted by the CMBV team, these tours enable you to discover this emblematic site of French history, and understand its function and place in the political, social and artistic spheres from the 18th century to the present day.
NEW: "La saga Papillon à Versailles" digital treasure hunt
Investigate the well-kept secrets of 22, avenue de Paris in Versailles: these buildings, built under Louis XV, are steeped in more than three centuries of history... By following this treasure hunt, you'll discover a wealth of anecdotes!
Discover the CMBV's instruments, sets and costumes
Stroll through the rooms of the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, now the CMBV's rehearsal rooms, and enjoy exceptional proximity to the period instruments, sets and opera costumes on display for the occasion!
The Gonards cemetery has been open since 1879. Covering an area of 12.5 hectares, it is home to almost 16,000 graves, some of them of famous personalities. Blériot, Cartier, Lépine... these are names full of history!
The city of Versailles is therefore offering tours of these emblematic tombs in the company of the curator. The tour will focus on the lower part of the cemetery, where the majority of the concessions are located, and will provide an opportunity to see or revisit the mysterious, recently renovated Ange du Silence. An original way to discover history in the city of heritage that is Versailles!
Visits are fully booked.
The city's 4 cemeteries, including the Gonards cemetery, have been managed ecologically and without chemicals since 2009.
A management approach with multiple benefits for gardeners and visitors alike, as well as for the species of flora and fauna that populate these spaces.
The first French cemetery to be awarded the EcoJardin label in 2012, the City of Versailles invites you to discover the species of the Gonards cemetery, the environments in which they evolve and the actions put in place to encourage their arrival and long-term settlement.
The tour will include a visit to the pond, which will be created in 2021 and is not open to the public.
The tour will end in the cemetery meadow with an introduction to participatory inventories dedicated to butterflies and pollinating insects, which can be replicated in your garden or on your balcony!
Guided tours of the Versailles Court of Appeal, with an introduction to the organization of the judiciary and the professions of magistrates, court clerks and lawyers. Justice opens its doors!
A place steeped in history, the Versailles Court of Appeal offers 8 guided tours of the building, each lasting 30 minutes (3 morning tours and 5 afternoon tours), led by a tour guide from the Versailles Tourist Office.
At the end of each tour, the public is invited to go to the Salle des Assises for a presentation on "Criminal Justice", and then to the Salle Simone VEIL for a workshop on "Judicial Professions and Organization".
At both workshops, judges, civil servants and lawyers will be on hand to answer questions from the public.
Finally, for the 1st time in Versailles, an exhibition dedicated to "Women of Justice" will be open to the public.
Additional information: The event is completely free of charge. The public is advised that registration is essential to take part in this day at the Versailles Court of Appeal.
Guided or self-guided tour of the chapel
Designed by Louis XIV and built between 1684 and 1686 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the church of Notre-Dame de Versailles, classified as a Historic Monument since 2005, contains the registers of all baptisms, marriages and deaths of members of the royal family.
Journées du Patrimoine 2024 at Sainte-Elisabeth-de-Hongrie church in Versailles
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Journées du Patrimoine 2024 at Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc church in Versailles
Evocation of the life of Joan of Arc, interspersed with musical excerpts on the organ, followed by a tour of the church, soon to be 100 years old. Mini-concert followed by a detailed tour of the great organ.
The church stands on a square at the end of Boulevard de Lesseps, at the intersection of Rue Saint-Charles, Rue de Montreuil and Rue d'Artois. The church's forecourt opens onto a square with the same name as the church, Place Saint-Symphorien.
History
The architect Louis-François Trouard designed the plans, with construction taking place between 1764 and 1770.
The church was listed as a historic monument in its entirety by decree of December 8, 19531.
Discover the Potager du Roi all day long by taking a stroll or joining one of the many guided tours at 11am, 11:30am, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm and 4:30pm.
Rates
Free admission to the Potager du Roi from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Guided tours and free one-hour events
Discover all the activities for young visitors and practical information on our website
Activities for young visitors
Over the weekend, from 2pm to 6pm, families can take part in the many activities on offer, with fun and artistic activities for young visitors:
Pop-Up workshop, with the design of a small pop-up booklet on the theme of animals
The King of the Vegetable Garden, to design his ideal crown
The colors of the King's Vegetable Garden, to draw inspiration from seasonal colors and imagine a plan of the garden
Discovering nature's colors, using garden materials to produce colors
Drawing in situ, with a drawing session in the landscape of the Potager du Roi
Silhouetting animals, creating shapes with foam board
Story time, for an hour of reading in an enchanted world.
Admission
Free admission to the Potager du Roi from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free one-hour guided tours and events
Find out more about the European Heritage Days program at the Potager du Roi on our website
For schools: a child-friendly guided tour
Exceptionally open to the public: reception courtyard, bishops' hall, council chamber, dining room and garden.
Heritage Days 2024 at the Hôtel du Barry - Versailles Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Hôtel du Barry is the headquarters of the Versailles-Yvelines Chamber of Commerce
and Industry,
classified as a historic monument in 1942.
No. 21 was acquired by the Versailles Chamber of Commerce in 1937 and now houses the Versailles-Yvelines Chamber of Commerce.
Visit the Versailles allotment gardens, guided by a member of the association.
Discover animated vegetable garden games for young and old.
Exceptional opening of a Masonic Temple in Versailles.
Visit in 2 parts:
First: presentation of a visual and audio document introducing Freemasonry (15 mins)
Then visit the Temple with a short introduction followed by a question-and-answer session (20 mins).
Individual interviews with Masons possible.
Saturday, September 21, 4pm: Guided tour "Mythological and biblical journeys in the museum's collections"
Classical culture was built around Christian and ancient influences, which were nourished by journeys to the Mediterranean. Visitors will travel from East to West to relive these founding tales through the museum's collections.
1h
All ages, recommended from 8 upwards.
Free admission. No registration required.
Sunday, September 22, 4pm: Guided tour "Curiosity about faraway lands at Versailles"
Arts and crafts in the modern era have appropriated materials from the four corners of the globe, thanks to the development of maritime expeditions. In the holds of ships, new flora and fauna were welcomed with curiosity by the European courts, influencing their way of life.
1h
Suitable for all ages 8 and up.
Free admission. No registration required.
Journées du Patrimoine 2024 at the Salle du Jeu de Paume, Versailles
June 20, 1789 marks the entry of the Salle du Jeu de Paume in Versailles into French history. From being an exercise hall under Louis XIV, it became the birthplace of French democracy, linked to an important episode in the French Revolution.
Discover the interior of the temple, its history, explanations of its layout and the services held there.
Heritage Days 2024 at Espace Richaud, the former royal hospital
Immerse yourself in the history of the hospital and the Richaud chapel, the former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, and discover our temporary exhibition.
Accompanied by our Public Relations and Communications Manager, enjoy a 3-in-1 guided tour:
Journey through the history of the hospital and its unique Richaud chapel (listed building)
Immerse yourself in the fully restored and renovated former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, now the Académie des Sciences Morales, des Lettres et des Arts de Versailles et d'Île-de-France
Discover our temporary exhibition "Sous le soleil des savoir-faire. Masters of Art in Versailles".
Versailles, the city where the creative genius and skills of thousands of creators and restorers have shone, from Louis XIV to the present day: the Maîtres d'art exhibit at the Espace Richaud!
This exhibition, co-produced with the association des Ateliers des Maîtres d'art et de leurs Élèves, and curated by Yves Sabourin, presents 100 creations by 33 Maîtres d'art or Élèves de Maîtres d'art at the Espace Richaud, the former royal hospital. It demonstrates the exceptional richness and diversity of these skills.
Multicolored feathers on deer antlers, a scepter combining fabric flowers and embroidery, a travel pianoforte, a felt coat inspired by the great couturier Paul Poiret, landscape discs in enameled porcelain, a stained-glass window from the Facteur Cheval's Ideal Palace designed by Jean-Michel Othoniel, or the sword of academician Jean-Pierre Babelon - these are just some of the unique and unusual creations that the public can discover in this exhibition.
A special program is available on our website.
On the occasion of the exhibition "Sous le soleil des savoir-faire. Les Maîtres d'art à Versailles" exhibition, the Espace Richaud invites you to a 1h30 discussion with Marion Lainé, restorer of antique and modern pianos. Works from the early 20th-century French repertoire will be played.
Find out more about the exhibition.
Immerse yourself in the history of the hospital and the Richaud chapel, the former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, and discover our temporary exhibition.
Accompanied by our Public Relations and Communications Manager, enjoy a 3-in-1 guided tour:
Journey through the history of the hospital and its unique Richaud chapel (listed building)
Immerse yourself in the fully restored and renovated former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, now the Académie des Sciences Morales, des Lettres et des Arts de Versailles et d'Île-de-France
Discover our temporary exhibition "Sous le soleil des savoir-faire. Masters of Art in Versailles".
An opportunity to meet and talk, lasting 1h30, with Philippe Mérille, engraver and type foundryman, a former student of Master of Art Joël Bertin, who works at the Imprimerie Nationale. Accompanied by Christophe Koopmans, engraver and character foundryman.
Immerse yourself in the history of the hospital and the Richaud chapel, the former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, and discover our temporary exhibition.
Accompanied by our Public Relations and Communications Manager, enjoy a 3-in-1 guided tour:
Journey through the history of the hospital and its unique Richaud chapel (listed building)
Immerse yourself in the fully restored and renovated former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, now the Académie des Sciences Morales, des Lettres et des Arts de Versailles et d'Île-de-France
Discover our temporary exhibition "Sous le soleil des savoir-faire. Masters of Art in Versailles".
On the occasion of the exhibition "Sous le soleil des savoir-faire. Les Maîtres d'art à Versailles" exhibition, Espace Richaud invites you to a 1h30 discussion with Philippe Nicolas, glyptician. He will talk about the transmission of his skills in the workshop he ran at Maison Cartier for over thirteen years.
Find out more about the exhibition.
Immerse yourself in the history of the hospital and the Richaud chapel, the former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, and discover our temporary exhibition.
Accompanied by our Public Relations and Communications Manager, enjoy a 3-in-1 guided tour:
Journey through the history of the hospital and its unique Richaud chapel (listed building)
Immerse yourself in the fully restored and renovated former oratory of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, now the Académie des Sciences Morales, des Lettres et des Arts de Versailles et d'Île-de-France
Discover our temporary exhibition "Sous le soleil des savoir-faire. Masters of Art in Versailles".
On the occasion of the exhibition "Sous le soleil des savoir-faire. Les Maîtres d'art à Versailles" exhibition, l'espace Richaud is hosting a 1.5-hour discussion with luthier Joël Laplane. Guitar pieces played by Louis XIV, such as those by Francesco Corbetta, will be performed by Jean Bruno Dautaner.
Find out more about the exhibition.
Heritage Days 2024 at the Versailles Law Courts
On the occasion of the Heritage Days, the heads of jurisdiction will be opening the doors of the Versailles law court, offering guided tours led by members of the court and legal professionals, who will explain how the court works and its day-to-day activities.
At the end of the day, you can relive the Landru trial by attending a performance of the play "Je n'ai rien à vous dire" (I have nothing to say to you) in the court's main courtroom (separate reservation required).
Henri Désiré Landru, from con man to Gambais Bluebeard ?
"Show me the bodies! Considered France's first serial killer
and accused of eleven murders, Henri Désiré Landru would never confess! His trial opened on November 7, 1921: a moment of great spectacle! In the absence of any material evidence or confession, Landru stunned everyone! He proclaimed his innocence, loud and clear: after all, no body had been found, so there was no proof!
But this was without counting on the stubbornness of Commissaire Jules Belin, the man who arrested Landru and accumulated a body of "evidence" to bring this "innocent until proven guilty" man before the Sainte-et-Oise Assize Court.
And it's precisely this trial, ladies and gentlemen, that we invite you to relive! You'll be treated to Landru's outspoken, murderous retorts, as you enter the very courthouse where Landru was once tried and executed!
Come and watch the re-enactment of this historic trial, and perhaps you'll even be lucky enough to be drawn by lot to sit on the jury and render your verdict, to your heart's content...
This show has been touring French Assize Courts and Tribunals since January 2024.
How about a Heritage Day in Versailles? Happy Heritage Days in the Yvelines!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
Versailles
78000 Versailles
78000 Versailles
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.versailles.fr
